Rajya Sabha marshals back to old uniform

New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS) The marshals of the Rajya Sabha returned to the House on Monday dressed in their old uniform -- deep blue 'band gala' suit -- after their new uniform was criticised by some Parliamentarians and retired naval officers. Interestingly, the headgear of the old uniform has been dropped. The marshals first appeared in their new uniform standing alongside the House Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu when the 250th session of the Rajya Sabha began on November 18. The new uniform looked more like those worn by military personnel. It included a cap similar to that worn by a police or military officer. Many MPs were surprised to see the marshals in new uniform abandoning the earlier attire, which included a turban. "It has happened perhaps for the first time. At least I don't remember such change," a House member had said. "The blue dress is for winters while the white one would be worn in the summer season," a Parliament staff said on Monday. It could not be ascertained immediately if this uniform is for special occasions like the current landmark 250th session only, or to be worn permanently.
--IANS sk/bc